The 34th Annual will return to Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., on June 27 and 28, 2026.
The event, recognized by Congress as the “Official National BBQ Championship,” is expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees and will feature barbecue competitions, live entertainment, celebrity chefs, and family-friendly activities. This year’s festival is also part of the official DC250 celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, while commemorating Giant Food’s 90th anniversary. Organizers say the 2026 theme, “American Cuisine Is World Cuisine,” highlights the influence of international culinary traditions on American food culture.
The festival will include barbecue competitions featuring pitmasters from across the country competing for more than $50,000 in prizes, along with food sampling pavilions showcasing flavors from nearly 20 countries. Guests can also enjoy free food tastings, restaurant vendors, wine and beer offerings, and interactive experiences tied to sports teams and the FIFA World Cup. Live entertainment will take place across six stages with performances ranging from go-go and reggae to salsa and rock, alongside cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs and television personalities.
The event will be held along Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th Streets. Festival hours are scheduled for 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday, June 27, and 11 am to 7 pm on Sunday, June 28. Tickets are available online at bbqdc.com and through select Giant Food store promotions.
